obama gave lawmakers two options. either come up with a bill that can pass both houses or allow a vote on his plan which among other things would extend unemployment benefits and tax breaks for those making $250,000 or less while allowing rates to raise on wealthier americans. something many republicans oppose. on capitol hill, glimmers of hope. >> we'll be working hard to try to see if we can get there in the next 24 hours. and so i'm hopeful and optimistic. >> i'm going to do everything i can. i'm confident senator mcconnell will do the same. everybody, this is -- whatever we come up with is going to be imperfect. >> reporter: a republican aide said house speaker john boehner is awaiting senate action before weighing in. earlier in the day, some republicans blamed the president for the impasse. >> i agree that it is the president's responsibility to lay out a plan and to bring people together. but it's a total dereliction of duty, and candidly a lack of courage to deal with these issues. >> reporter: the uncertainty